Window assembly especially for an automobile

ABSTRACT

A window assembly especially for an automobile includes a primary frame defining a window opening. An auxiliary frame is provided to facilitate mounting of a windowpane in the opening defined in the primary frame. The windowpane is mounted on the auxiliary frame by means of an adhesive at a location remote from the final assembly point. An elastic sealing strip is mounted on the auxiliary frame in surrounding relationship to the latter and to the edge of a windowpane mounted thereon. The auxiliary frame is attached to the primary frame by means of a plurality of elongated connecting elements which extend through the elastic sealing strip.

United States Patent 1191 Adler et al.

[ WINDOW ASSEMBLY ESPECIALLY FOR AN AUTOMOBILE [75] Inventors: JurgenAdler; Karl Erck; Kurt Schwenk, all of Wolfsburg, Germany [73] Assignee:Volkswagenwerk Akt, Wolfsburg,

Germany [22] Filed: June 29, 1971 [2!] App]. No.: 157,872

30 Foreign Application Priority Data 1451 Apr. 9, 1974' 2,761,729 9/1956Renre 52/400 3,093,844 6/1963 Brock 52/400 3,148,753 9/1964 Hodgen52/400 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLlCATlONS 360,486 4/1962 Switzerland 52 616Primary Examiner-Henry C. Sutherland Assistant Examiner-H. E. RaduazoAttorney, Agent, or Firm-Brumbaugh, Graves, Dono hue & Raymond 57ABSTRACT A window assembly especially for an automobile includes aprimary frame defining a window opening.

An auxiliary frame is provided to facilitate mounting of a windowpane inthe opening; defined in the primary frame. The windowpane is mounted onthe auxili iary frame by means of an adhesive at a location re- A motefrom the final assembly point. An elastic sealing strip is mounted onthe auxiliary frame in surrounding relationship to the latter and totheedge of a windowpane mounted thereon. The auxiliary frame is attached tothe primary frame by means of a plurality of elongated connectingelements which extend through V the elastic sealing strip.

14 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures PATENTEU APR 9 I974 INVENTOR JURGEN ADLERKARL ERCK 'KUR'I SCHWENK WATSON COLE GRINDLE & WATSON vATTORNEYS WINDOWASSEMBLY ESPECIALLY FOR AN AUTOMOBILE CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATEDAPPLICATION Applicants claim priority from German application P 32990.2, filed July 3, 1970.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a windowassembly especially for an automobile and in particular to such assemblywherein a windowpane is first attached onto an auxiliary frame by meansof an adhesive and the latter, together with the pane, is then attachedto the primary frame surrounding the window opening. Such a procedureand assembly is disclosed and claimed in commonly owned U; S. Pat.application, Ser. No. 145,764, filed May 21, 1971 in the names of thepresent inventors and others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present improvement to said assemblycomprises the attachment of the auxiliary frame to a bridge extendingparallel to the pane by means of elongated connecting elements extendingthrough an elastic sealing strip which surrounds the auxiliary frame andthe edge of the pane and has a portion disposed between the latter andthe bridge.

In its broad aspects the present invention comprises a window assemblyespecially for an automobile which includes a primary frame surroundinga window opening, the primary frame being generally L-shaped intransverse cross-sectional configuration to present a bridge disposedgenerally in the plane of the opening and extending therearound. Alsoincluded is an auxiliary frame adapted for attachment to the primaryframe, the auxiliary frame presenting an opening generally coextensivein size with the window opening. A windowpane is mounted on theauxiliary frame in covering relationship to the opening therein andadhesive means are provided for attaching the window frame and theauxiliary frame together. A plurality of elongated connecting elementsis provided for partly interconnecting the auxiliary frame and thebridge. An elastic sealing strip extends around the windowpane and isdisposed in partly surrounding relationship to the auxiliary frame andto the edge of the windowpane. The elastic sealing strip has a centralportion disposed generally between the auxiliary frame and the bridge.There are a plurality of openings extending through the central portionof the elastic sealing strip, the connecting elements being receivedtherethrough.

By virtue of the present invention, an assembly is provided whichfacilitates efficient pre-assembly of the auxiliary frame and thewindowpane. The elastic sealing strip may be mounted on the auxiliaryframe in surrounding relationship thereto prior to the mounting of theauxiliary frame onto the primary frame. The connecting elements extendthrough the elastic sealing strip which has a portion disposed betweenthe frames providing a resilient shock-absorbing mounting for thewindowpane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an elevationalcross-sectional view illustrating the internal details of a windowassembly which embodies the concepts and principles of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational cross-sectional view illustrating the internaldetails of another form of window assembly;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line III-IIIof FIG. 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT:

One form of an automotive window assembly which embodies the principlesand concepts of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. Theassembly includes a primary frame 1 which surrounds the window opening.Frame 1 is generally L-shaped in transverse crosssectional configurationand presents a spot welded flange in the nature of a bridge 2 extendingaround the opening. A windowpane 3 is held within an auxiliary frame 5by means of an adhesive 4. Frame 5 extends around an opening which isgenerally co-extensive in size with the window opening of frame 1. Frame5 is also generally L-shaped in transverse cross-sectionalconfiguration, as illustrated, presenting a leg 5a which extendsperpendicularly of pane 3 in supporting relationship to the lower edge3a thereof and a leg 5b which is generally perpendicular to leg 5a andis disposed between windowpane 3 and bridge 2.

A plurality of elongated connecting bolts 6 (only one is illustrated)are welded to leg 5a of auxiliary frame 5. Bolts 6 are spaced around theperiphery of frame 5 and each extends therefrom through a. correspondinghole 2a in bridge 2.

An elastic sealing strip 7 extends around the window opening and has agroove 7d therein which surrounds auxiliary frame 5 and the edge 3a ofwindowpane 3. Strip 7 also has a central portion which is disposedbetween bridge 2 and auxiliary frame 5. A plurality of openings 7b areprovided in central portion 7c, one for each bolt 6, the latter beingreceived through openings 7b as illustrated. A nut 8 and flat washer 9are provided for securing each bolt 6 to bridge 2. Manifestly, as nuts 8are tightened on bolts 6, central portion 70 of strip 7 will becompressed between bridge 2 and auxiliary frame 5, providing a resilientmounting for the latter. Preferably, strip 7 is provided with a flashingmember 7a disposed to surround nuts 8 whereby the latter are concealedfrom view.

The window assembly is constructed by first attaching windowpane 3 toauxiliary frame 5 by means of adhesive 4. Bolts 6 have preferably beenpreviously welded to auxiliary frame 5. Auxiliary frame 5, withwindowpane 3 attached thereon, is then inserted into groove 7d ofsealing strip 7, with bolts 6 extending through corresponding openings71;.

windowpane 3, auxiliary frame 5, and sealing strip 7 are then mountedonto bridge 2. Bolts 6 are placed in the corresponding holes in bridge 2and nuts 8 and washers 9 are placed on the bolts and tightened. Afternuts 8 have been appropriately tightened, flashing member 7c is allowedto assume its normal position in covering relationship to nuts 8.

FIG. 2 illustrates another form of window assembly embodying theinvention. In FIG. 2, the assembly includes a primary frame 101 whichsurrounds the window opening. Frame 101 is generally L-shaped intransverse cross-sectional configuration and presents a spot weldedflange in the nature of a bridge 16 extending around the opening. Awindowpane 11 is held against an auxiliary frame by means of an adhesive14. Frame 10 extends around an opening which is generally co-extensivein size with the window opening of frame 101. Frame 10 is also generallyL-shaped in transverse cross-sectional configuration, as illustrated,presenting a leg 10a which extends perpendicularly of pane 11 insupporting relationship to the lower edge 11a thereof and a leg 10bwhich is generally perpendicular to leg 10a and is normally disposedbetween pane 11 and bridge 16.

A plurality of generally L-shaped holding tabs 12 (only one isillustrated) are spaced around the periphery of frame 10. Each tab 12has a portion 12a welded to leg 10b of frame 10 and a length 12bdisposed to extend perpendicularly away from pane 11 and into overlyingrelationship to bridge 16.

Each length 12b has a hole 12c therethrough. A corresponding widenedarea 16a (FIG. 3) is provided in bridge 16 for each hole 12c. A hole16b, which extends generally parallel to pane 11, is provided in eacharea 16a. Holes 16b are aligned with holes 12c and screws 13 arereceived through the holes, as shown in FIG. 2, for the purpose ofrigidly securing frames 10 and 101 together.

An elastic sealing strip 15 extends around the window opening and has agroove 15d therein which sur-v rounds auxiliary frame 10 and the edge11a of the windowpane 11. Strip 15 also has a central portion 156 whichis disposed generally between bridge 16 and the auxiliary frame 10. Aplurality of openings 150 are provided in central portion 150, one foreach screw 13, the latter being received through openings 15e asillustrated. Manifestly, as screws 13 are tightened, the central portion15c of strip 15 will be compressed between bridge 16 and tabs 12providing a resilient mounting for frame 10. Preferably, strip 15 isprovided with a flashing member 15b disposed to surround screws 13whereby the latter are concealed from view.

The window assembly of FIG. 2 is constructed by first attachingwindowpane 11 to auxiliary frame 10 by means of adhesive 14. Tabs 12have preferably been previously welded to auxiliary frame 10. In thisconnection, lengths 12b of tabs 12 are preferably initially disposed atan angle (shown in phantom lines in FIG. 2) relative to their finalpositions to facilitate assembly. Auxiliary frame 10, with windowpane 11attached thereon, is then inserted into groove 15d of sealing strip 15,with screws 13 extending toward openings 15e.

windowpane 11, auxiliary frame 10, and sealing strip 15 are then mountedonto bridge 16. A flap 15a of strip 15 is pulled in known manner overbridge 16 with the help of a string. Flashing 15b is pulled back andlengths 12b are bent into their normal positions with screws 13extending through holes 152 and into holes 16b. After screws 13 havebeen appropriately tightened, flashing 15b is allowed to assume itsnormal position in covering relationship to screws 13.

We claim:

1. A window assembly for an automobile comprising:

a primary frame surrounding a window opening, said frame being generallyL-shaped in transverse crosssectional configuration presenting a bridgedisposed generally in the plane of said opening and extendingtherearound;

an auxiliary frame defining a substantially closed figure adapted forattachment to the primary frame, said auxiliary frame presenting anopening generally coextensive in size with said window opening;

a windowpane mounted on, and adhesively bonded directly to the auxiliaryframe around substantially the entire periphery of said windowpane incovering relationship to the opening in said auxiliary frame;

a plurality of elongated connecting elements firmly interconnecting theauxiliary frame and said bridge;

an elastic sealing strip extending around the window opening, said stripbeing disposed in partly surrounding relationship to, but unadhered to,the auxiliary frame and to the edge of the windowpane and having acentral portion disposed generally between the auxiliary frame and saidbridge;

there being a plurality of openings extending through said centralportion of the strip receiving said connecting elements therethrough.

2. A window assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said auxiliaryframe is generally L-shaped in transverse cross-sectional configurationpresenting a pair of generally perpendicular legs, said auxiliary framebeing disposed with one leg extending generally perpendicularly of themajor plane of the windowpane adjacent the edge thereof and with theother leg disposed be tween the windowpane and the bridge.

3. A window assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said connectingelements are rigidly connected to said one leg of the auxiliary frameand extend through the 7 bridge in a direction generally perpendicularlyof the major plane of the windowpane, said elements including means forsecuring the same to said bridge.

4. A window assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said elementscomprise threaded bolt and nut assemblies.

5. A window assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein a plurality ofholding tabs are provided on said other leg of the auxiliary frame, saidtabs having a length disposed to extend away from the windowpane in adirection generally perpendicular thereto, there being a hole througheach tab and corresponding holes extending through the bridge in adirection generally parallel to the plane of the windowpane, saidconnecting elements comprising screws extending through thecorresponding holes in the tabs and into the holes in the bridge.

6. A window assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein each of said tabsis transversely L-shaped presenting said length and another portionwhich extends generally perpendicularly of the length, said portionsbeing attached to said other leg of the auxiliary frame.

7. A window assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said bridge has aplurality of widened areas, the holes in the bridge being disposed toextend through said widened areas.

8. A window assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said sealing stripincludes a flashing member completely covering the outer portions of theconnecting elements.

9. A window assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said sealing stripincludes a flashing member completely covering the outer portions of theconnecting elements. i

10. A window assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said sealing stripincludes a flashing member completely covering the outer portions of theconnecting elements.

11. An apparatus for fastening a windowpane in a frame comprising:

a primary frame having a flange thereon, said flange having an inneredge defining a window opening; a substantially continuous auxiliaryframe defining a substantially closed figure adapted for substantiallysurrounding the windowpane, and having a right angle cross-section, oneleg of which runs parallel to and surrounds the peripheral edge of thewindowpane and the other leg of which is interposed between thewindowpane and said flange of said primary frame, said one legterminating in a free edge defining an unrestricted opening similar inshape to, but larger than, said windowpane, to enable said auxiliaryframe to be placed on the peripheral area of said windowpane with saidone leg surrounding the peripheral edge of the windowpane and said otherleg lying over the periphery of the windowpane and parallel to the facethereof; an elastic sealing strip embracing the edge of the windowpane,and interposed between said primary frame and said auxiliary frame;

adhesive means adhesively connecting said windowpane and said auxiliaryframe, with said elastic sealing strip being adhered neither to saidauxiliary frame nor said windowpane;

, connecting elements secured to said auxiliary frame and extendingthrough openings in said elastic sealing strip and said flange of saidprimary frame for attachment thereto.

12. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 1, further comprising holdingplates for fastening the auxiliary frame on the flange of said primaryframe, said holding plates having approximately right-angledcross-sections, one shank of which is fixed on the leg of the auxiliaryframe arranged between the pane and the flange, and the other shank ofwhich is provided with a hole through which passes, approximatelyparallel to the pane plane, a connecting element which is fastened inthe flange.

13. An apparatus as defined in claim 12, characterized in that theflange at the points of fastening is thicker, in accordance with therequired connecting element, than in its remaining area.

14. An apparatus as defined in claim 12, characterized in that theflange is widened in the points of attachment of said holding plates.

1. A window assembly for an automobile comprising: a primary framesurrounding a window opening, said frame being generally L-shaped intransverse cross-sectional configuration presenting a bridge disposedgenerally in the plane of said opening and extending therearound; anauxiliary frame defining a substantially closed figure adapted forattachment to the primary frame, said auxiliary frame presenting anopening generally coextensive in size with said window opening; awindowpane mounted on, and adhesively bonded directly to the auxiliaryframe around substantially the entire periphery of said windowpane incovering relationship to the opening in said auxiliary frame; aplurality of elongated connecting elements firmly interconnecting theauxiliary frame and said bridge; an elastic sealing strip extendingaround the window opening, said strip being disposed in partlysurrounding relationship to, but unadhered to, the auxiliary frame andto the edge of the windowpane and having a central portion disposedgenerally between the auxiliary frame and said bridge; there being aplurality of openings extending through said central portion of thestrip receiving said connecting elements therethrough.
 2. A windowassembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said auxiliary frame isgenerally L-shaped in transverse cross-sectional configurationpresenting a pair of generally perpendicular legs, said auxiliary framebeing disposed with one leg extending generally perpendicularly of themajor plane of the windowpane adjacent the edge thereof and with theother leg disposed between the windowpane and the bridge.
 3. A windowassembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said connecting elements arerigidly connected to said one leg of the auxiliary frame and extendthrough the bridge in a direction generally perpendicularly of the majorplane of the windowpane, said elements including means for securing thesame to said bridge.
 4. A window assembly as set forth in claim 3wherein said elements comprise threaded bolt and nut assemblies.
 5. Awindow assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein a plurality of holdingtabs are provided on said other leg of the auxiliary frame, said tabshaving a length disposed to extend away from the windowpane in adirection generally perpendicular thereto, there being a hole througheach tab and corresponding holes extending through the bridge in adirection generally parallel to the plane of the windowpane, saidconnecting elements comprising screws extending through thecorresponding holes in the tabs and into the holes in the bridge.
 6. Awindow assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein each of said tabs istransversely L-shaped presenting said length and another portion whichextends generally perpendicularly of the length, said portions beingattached to said other leg of the auxiliary frame.
 7. A window assemblyas set forth in claim 5 wherein said bridge has a plurality of widenedareas, the holes in the bridge being disposed to extend through saidwidened areas.
 8. A window assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidsealing strip includes a flashing member completely covering the outerportions of the connecting elements.
 9. A window assembly as set forthin claim 3 wherein said sealing strip includes a flashing membercompletely covering the outer portions of the connecting elements.
 10. Awindow assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said sealing stripincludes a flashing member completely covering the outer portions of theconnecting elements.
 11. An apparatus for fastening a windowpane in aframe comprising: a primary frame having a flange thereon, said flangehaving an inner edge defining a window opening; a substantiallycontinuous auxiliary frame defining a substantially closed figureadapted for substantially surrounding the windowpane, and having a rightangle cross-section, one leg of which runs parallel to and surrounds theperipheral edge of the windowpane and the other leg of which isinterposed between the windowpane and said flange of said primary frame,said one leg terminating in a free edge defining an unrestricted openingsimilar in shape to, but larger than, said windowpane, to enable saidauxiliary frame to be placed on the peripheral area of said windowpanewith said one leg surrounding the peripheral edge of the windowpane andsaid other leg lying over the periphery of the windowpane and parallelto the face thereof; an elastic sealing strip embracing the edge of thewindowpane, and interposed between said primary frame and said auxiliaryframe; adhesive means adhesively connecting said windowpane and saidauxiliary frame, with said elastic sealing strip being adhered neitherto said auxiliary frame nor said windowpane; connecting elements securedto said auxiliary frame and extending through openings in said elasticsealing strip and said flange of said primary frame for attachmentthereto.
 12. An apparatus as defined in claim 11, further comprisingholding plates for fastening the auxiliary frame on the flange of saidprimary frame, said holding plates having approximately right-angledcross-sections, one shank of which is fixed on the leg of the auxiliaryframe arranged between the pane and the flange, and the other shank ofwhich is provided with a hole through which passes, approximatelyparallel to the pane plane, a connecting element which is fastened inthe flange.
 13. An apparatus as defined in claim 12, characterized inthat the flange at the points of fastening is thicker, in accordancewith the required connecting element, than in its remaining area.
 14. Anapparatus as defined in claim 12, characterized in that the flange iswidened in the points of attachment of said holding plates.